Richard Haberkern, tinkerer and inventor, has put his Soundlazer product up on the funding site, asking the masses to decide if it’s worthy to see a production line. So, what is the Soundlazer you ask? It’s a speaker that directs audio waves forward, so only someone in front of the device can hear what’s playing.

The more technical explanation is it’s a parametric speaker, which uses ultrasonic waves to focus a beam of sound in one direction. The video above even demonstrates the concept, showing the camera and microphone beside the Soundlazer hearing virtually no sound, and then in front hearing the music playing clearly. Imagine listening to music in your cube space without having to wear headphones because no one else can hear it.

If this Kickstarter project is successful, Hanerkern will provide the design files and programming information on the Soundlazer site for those that want to tinker and customize. For instance, not too long ago a group of students used this directional speaker technology paired with a microphone to create a “speech-jammer.” The microphone would record whoever was speaking and direct their voice back at them, but with a slight delay.

Pledges of $500 will receive Sigma Studio software, USB programming tools, and a fully-functional Soundlazer in its beautiful aluminum chassis. If you’re a little short on cash, for a $175 pledge you can receive a completely assembled Soundlazer, but sans the fancy anodized aluminum case and stand.

Hanerkern has until May 19th at 4:15pm EST to raise $48,000. As of this posting he’s about 30 percent of the way there and has 56 days to go. So, is the shark tank willing to invest?